Beast Wars: 

Amnesty
By: Michael

PG Violence

Chapter 7

In the junkyards of Cybertron, a large bat-like shadow sweeped over the ground. Depthcharge landed and quickly maximized.

"This looks like a good place to hide out for a while before I can figure out a way to rescue the others," he thought.

"Depthcharge!" yelled an unfamiliar voice. Depthcharge quickly turned around and aimed his missile launcher at the source of that voice. Standing before him were two unfamiliar 'bots he had never seen before.

"You got about a nano-klik to tell me how you know my name before I blow you to scrap," threatened Depthcharge.

"Whoa!" said one of the two, "Calm down! We're Cheetor and Dinobot!"

"Funny," replied Depthcharge, "The last time I remember, they were two fearsome looking beasts with sharp teeth and claws."

"Well," said the one who seemed like Cheetor, "We had to assume these forms to avoid detection. They've captured all of our friends. So far, we haven't found a way of rescuing them..."

Depthcharge still had a look of confusion and suspicion on his face.

"Come with us," said the other who seemed like Dinobot, "We will show you our true forms."

Depthcharge still held a tight grip on his gun as he followed the two. No telling who these two really were, even if they claimed that they were Cheetor and Dinobot.

Under Depthcharge's suspicious eyes, the two Transmetal II's finally emerged from the stasis pods, fully intact in their TMII bodies.

"Guess you were telling the truth after all," remarked Depthcharge as he lowered his gun.

"We were at the place where Nero gave his speech," said Cheetor, "We came back empty-handed. Our friends weren't there, plus there was that small Predacon uprising which caused a lot of panic. How did you escape from that monster, anyways, Depthcharge?"

"Wasn't easy, but I broke out of jail eventually," said Depthcharge.

"Dinobot found us a place to hide," Cheetor told DC, "Come on, there's no telling who might be watching us right now."

They entered into the hidden base that Dinobot had uncovered. "Nice," remarked Depthcharge, "You dig this place up all by yourself with those claws?"

Dinobot's eyes narrowed as he glared at Depthcharge. Unspoken tensions filled the air. Cheetor took notice of this and decided to interject himself in between the two before any trouble could arise.

"So uhh, Depthcharge," he asked, "Did you find out anything about our friends or why we're fugitives?"

"More than you know," replied Depthcharge, "The Tripredacus Council has a hand in this. They're the ones who have been primarily responsible for not only our situation, but nearly everything on Cybertron for the past three decades. They are actually the ones in control of Cybertron, not the Maximal Elders."

Cheetor and Dinobot looked at each other in shock. "You mean that they're in charge?" asked Cheetor meekly.

"Not only that, but they're the ones who play the Maximal Elders like puppets, making it seem like a Maximal regime is the official government on this planet from what I've gathered," explained Depthcharge, "Every political movement is carefully orchestrated by Tripredacus. Even the laws passed against Predacons are also made possible by them."

"But why?" asked Cheetor, "If they're really the rulers of Cybertron, why they don't just take over overtly?"

"Dunno," replied Depthcharge honestly, "During our little 'chat' session, Senator Nero told me that that they preferred working in secrecy. A gut feeling tells me that everything they do now is working towards something big, something that could affect our world and countless others."

Cheetor suddenly thought of something. "Dinobot," he said, "When we were in that crowd, did you read the thoughts of some of those Predacons during the riot?"

"I did," replied the Transmetal II raptor.

"And when you did," continued Cheetor, "Were their minds being manipulated by any higher powers?"

"They were," explained Dinobot, "However, they do not realize it."

"Perfect!" exclaimed Cheetor. "What is it?" asked Depthcharge.

"I know how we can save our friends now," said Cheetor.

Dinobot suddenly gripped the side of his head in pain. "Dinobot," asked Cheetor, "Is there something wrong?"

"Turn on the screen," he told them. Cheetor immediately turned on the vid-cast they had. On television, was the figure of Senator Nero.

"Fellow Cybertronians," he said gravely, "It has come to our attention the seriousness of the situation we now face. The crew of the Axalon have confessed their treacherous intention of insuring a Predacon takeover of Cybertron. It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the death sentence of these once promising citizens tomorrow! They are to be executed tomorrow at the public square of our capital, Cybertropolis."

Depthcharge and Cheetor gasped while Dinobot looked on grimly. A hard lump formed in Cheetor's throat. Even Depthcharge looked like he was in shock.

Finally, Depthcharge's expression hardened. "I say we bust in there, give 'em everything we got, and rescue the others or die trying!"

"You are a fool," said Dinobot, "You have no idea how heavily guarded the public execution will be! We need another strategy!"

"And I suppose a cowardly lizard like yourself has a better idea," growled Depthcharge.

"Shut up! Both of you!" yelled Cheetor. The two of them went silent. He sat down and ruminated hard. Suddenly, an idea came to his head.

"Wait," cried Cheetor, "There's still hope! Dinobot! You told me that most of the Predacon Resistance have no idea that they're being manipulated by higher powers, right?"

"Affirmative," Dinobot said.

"I came to realize, Maximal and Predacon airwaves broadcast different channels. Chances are, the Predacons in most parts of Cybertron don't know what's going on in the Maximal airwaves. If we could only find a way of tipping off the leader of the Predacon Resistance... I know!" he exclaimed, "The state-of-the-art technology and messaging systems in this base could be useful!"

"Hmm," mused Dinobot, "You are correct, Cheetor!"

"We can find a way of tipping off the Preds about the execution tomorrow. Chances are, they'll take any chance they can get to strike at the Maximal Elders!" explained Cheetor, "And with the chaos generated there, we'll have at least a decent chance of rescuing our friends!"

"Sounds crazy enough to work!" said Depthcharge.

"I believe your strategy can be arranged," said Dinobot as he led Cheetor and Depthcharge to one of the communications rooms.

In one of the secret underground hideouts of the Predacon Resistance, Gigatron, the purple clad leader of the movement, was not pleased.

"Blast Maximus!" he cried as he smashed his fist onto the table, "So far, he's ruined all the chances we have of any revolution! He's far too powerful! He must have some sort of Achilles heel, though..."

The door slid open and one of his minions walked in. "Mighty Gigatron," she hissed, "We have received an incoming transmission designated for you. So far, the source is unknown and we have no idea who it could be."

"Redirect the signal to my screen," commanded Gigatron, "You are dismissed."

The lower-ranking Predacon bowed and disappeared.

Gigatron waited for a few cycles, considering their technology was not as advanced as that of the Maximals. Soon, a message appeared on his screen.

It read: <<Greetings, Leader of the Predacon Resistance! We send you this message to inform you that tomorrow, in the Maximal capital of Cybertropolis, will be a public execution of several Maximals. Senator Nero, the Senate, and all the Maximal Elders will be present. It is a good opportunity for revenge. All we ask for in return is that you cause enough of a panic to ensure that the Maximals about to be executed are not harmed in any way. Please take the time to think over our offer.>>

Gigatron was surprised. "Hmmm," he thought, "Who could it be that sent me this message? And could it indeed be a trap?"

He sat down and thought hard. "However, this is indeed a sterling opportunity! With Nero and those Maximal Elders there, I can kill more than two birds with one stone! With our movement's lack of success recently coupled with the fact that we may not have many more opportunities like this, I believe it is a risk worth taking!" he finally decided.

"The grand inquisition has declared that all of you are to be executed!" declared a Maximal guard to the Axalon crew the next morning.

Rattrap gasped and Waspinator gulped.

"Waspinator too young to die," he murmured meekly.

"I guess this is the end," mumbled Rhinox grimly.

"How can this be?!?" cried Silverbolt, "We have committed no crimes against this planet!"

"But you have," said the guard, "For conspiring against the safety of all Maximal citizens! Take them to the square!"

Several guards dragged the kicking and screaming Maximals out. Resistance was soon put down with energy bonds and electro-shock guns

They were taken to the main square of Cybertropolis in bonds. There, they were tied up to several energy poles that insured they would be sapped of enough energy.

Senator Nero, along with Obsidian, Strika, and the Vehicons stepped out. It seemed that a rather large crowd of Maximals had come as well to witness the executions.

"Friends and Maximals," boomed Senator Nero, "These traitors and scoundrels have been convicted of grand treason against Cybertron and its inhabitants! Their consorting with Predacons has possibly endangered all your lives!"

The crowd booed and hissed at the Axalon crew. Rhinox watched and listened, amazed at how fiery a speaker Nero was, especially when it came to igniting the powder kegs of prejudice.

The Maximal Elders sat in their podiums watching the scene, Rattrap noted. It seemed that they were not going to do anything to stop the execution.

"This is just swell," muttered Rattrap under his breath.

"Furthermore, as a lesson to all who dare to threaten Maximal freedom, these rogues will be publicly executed on the spot!" continued Nero. The crowd cheered bloodthirstily. Rhinox felt a chill go down his spine, seeing his own people turning on him and his friends so readily.

Several shots rang out. "What is the meaning of this?" yelled Nero, "I have not given instructions to kill them yet!"

The shots did not stop there. Several explosions were heard from afar. Nero turned to his right and saw something that would haunt his mind for quite a while. Hordes of Predacons, screaming terrible battle cries, were running towards the execution with glints of murder in their eyes. The Maximal crowd started panicking at the sight.

"What is the meaning of this?!?" screamed one of the Maximal Elders. "I don't know!" yelled Nero, "Guards, stop those Predacon scum!"

The Maximal Guards quickly engaged the Predacon forces but were soon driven  back by the sheer numbers of the Pred legions. Most of the Predacons carried pulse rifles while a quarter of them carried the familiar drill-bit sword that the original Dinobot had utilized in the Beast Wars. The drill-bit sword had long been outlawed on Cybertron for its deadly ability to penetrate into a Cybertronian and extinguish his or her spark if stabbed in the right location. Since then, only outlaws carried drill-bit swords.

"Nevertheless," fumed Nero, "The executions will continue! Guards, destroy these traitors!"

He suddenly realized that all of the Maximal guards were busy engaged with the renegade Predacons. His generals and the Vehicons entered the battle against the Predacons as well and it seemed like they were turning the tide of the battle.

Nero felt a tapping on his shoulder. "Hey there," said a familiar voice, "Miss me?"

The Maximal senator turned around to face Depthcharge. "You!" growled Nero. Depthcharge didn't waste any more time chatting. With a swift punch, he knocked Nero off the stage.

Cheetor and Dinobot were there as well, releasing the others from the energy poles. "Now would be a good time to get out of here!" declared Cheetor. The rest of the Axalon crew didn't argue.

Soon, they disappeared into the streets as the chaos grew larger. The Predacons were now overwhelming the Maximal forces. The only thing that prevented the Maximal forces from being destroyed completely were Obsidian, Strika, and the Vehicons, who fought viciously, tearing through several Predacons in battle.

Strika smashed through the Predacons with her great strength while Obsidian fought alongside her, blasting Preds left and right with unusually quick aim.

Jetstorm created a giant cyclone, sweeping many Predacons up and throwing them everywhere. Tankorr also used his strength to smash through the Predacons, also taking the time to use his create several ice daggers out of thin air, impaling several Predacons and then freezing the rest with his freezing beam, only to smash them open a nano-klik later with his sledgehammer. Thrust, in the meantime, gathered the rays of the sun and 
fired several powerful solar blasts, decimating the Predacons around him.

Gigatron stood atop a building, observing the carnage. "This is indeed a good opportunity," he mused. He then took out a rather large sniper rifle.

"Now to finish off those pigs in the Maximal goverment," he said and took careful aim at the scattered and confused Maximal Elders.

A hand reached out of thin air and grabbed his rifle, lifting it from Gigatron's hands. "I'm afraid I can't let you do that," said Maximus Primal as he appeared right next to Gigatron.

"You!" cried Gigatron as he took out his energy whip. Maximus quickly  kicked it out of his hand, however, and stabbed him through the stomach with his sword. Gigatron whimpered in pain as Maximus pulled his weapon out.

"You..." rasped Gigatron, "You'll pay for this!"

"I hardly think so," smiled Maximus as he lightly pushed the wounded Gigatron off the building into an alley, where a trail of his mech fluid could be seen on the side of the building.

Maximus turned back to the riot. The Vehicons fought fiercely and bravely but soon, they realized how weary they were from the battle. The Predacon numbers were still really large, not to mention that most of the Maximals had been decimated. Suddenly, the Predacons seemed to shake with fear and retreated.

"Guess we showed them," said Jetstorm.

"Not hardly," said Thrust, "Look!"

The three Vehicons looked up to see the dark figure of Maximus Primal standing on the building, striking terror into the sparks of the Predacons.

With Maximus Primal's arrival, the Predacons were soon either scattered across the city, or arrested. Senator Nero gathered Maximus, the generals, and the Vehicons.

"Follow me to my private shuttle!" he commanded them. The three Vehicons looked at each other in confusion and turned to Obsidian and Strika for answers.

"Hush now," said Obsidian, "You'll find out where we're going soon."

The three decided to keep silent and follow.

Two hooded figures watched from the shadows as Senator Nero and his entourage of generals entered into their sky-hopper to take off.

"It has begun," rasped one of them, "We must report back to the Tripredacus Council."

"Yess," the other one said, "Everything is going exactly as they predicted."

----------------------------------------------------

Within a mega-cycle, the sky-hopper that hoarded Senator Nero and his Maximal Generals landed on the planet of Hestal, one of Cybertron's moons.

On the ramp, several Maximal guards stood. As Nero and the Maximal/Vehicon generals stepped out, the guards executed their salutes and bowed down before the Maximal senator.

"At ease," said Nero and the Maximal guards stood up again. A small, busty scientist ran up to Senator Nero, panting.

"Senator," he said breathlessly, "Vat a pleasant surprize! To vat do ve owe ze honor of you coming here for?"

"Take me to the location of our drone army," he told the Maximal scientist, "We activate them today!"

"But Senator," stammered the chubby scientist, "Ze number of drones we have iz only at 77%. I thought zat you vanted zem at 100% and zat will take up to one more stellar cycle!"

Senator Nero stared at the scientist as if he were a maintenance 'bot. "Plans have changed," he scowled, "Take me down there!"

"At vunce, senator!" said the small, chubby Maximal, who decided that not questioning the most influential Maximal alive on Cybertron was in his best interests.

The Maximal and Vehicon generals followed Nero as he was led down a tunnel that led to several underground bases.

Soon, after what seemed like miles of walking, they entered through a mechanical door into a darkened room. From what he could gather, Tankorr felt that they were all standing on a ramp. The lights came on.

The three Vehicon generals gasped at the sight they saw there. Before their very eyes, they could see thousands and thousands of drones that looked exactly like them.

"Magnificent," said Senator Nero, "The balance of power on Cybertron will soon tip... in my favor!"

"Absolutely," murmured Maximus, "The status quo will change..."

"All ze drones are in perfect condition," said the scientist who was with them, "Ve have ze heavy-assault ground units, ze aerial scout units, and finally, ze motorcycle drones zat you planned on using to patrol the streets of Cybertron as foot soldiers!"

"You three will lead your respective units into battle," whispered Obsidian to the Vehicon trio.

"Very well," said Nero, "Prepare to launch all current units to Cybertron. My coup begins today!"

"Yes, sir!" saluted the chubby scientist.

Within several cycles, over five hundred ships were launched from the planet, Hestal, towards Cybertron, containing hundreds of thousands of tank, aerial, and cycle drones towards the home  planet of the Transformers.

"Come," gestured Nero towards his companions, "We consolidate my power today!"

Soon, their ship was among the many launched for Cybertron.

"Hey guys," said Rattrap, "You might wanna come check this out!"

The Maximals hurried forward to see what Rattrap pointed out to them on the screen. It had been only a few mega-cycles since they were in the hidden base built by the original Dinobot. Already, they were discussing how they couldn't stay in hiding forever on their home planet.

"In today's news," said a rather shaken reporter on Cybertron's News Two, "Several hundreds of ships have landed on Cybertron bearing powerful drones of unknown origins! Many injuries have been reported caused by these strange Transformers. No deaths have occurred as of yet but however, these drones seem to be responding to a higher voice as our planet is now seemingly under martial law! I urge all Cybertronians to 
stay calm and within their homes! We'll have an update later today from the Maximal Elders in the Senate Building being televised publicly. Apparently, we were told that Senator Nero knows how to address this problem!"

With that being said, a large hand grabbed the reporter and threw him aside. A creature that looked like Tankorr walked into the camera and stood there with a menacing look on his face. Soon, he was joined by yet ANOTHER creature that resembled the large Vehicon. Soon, several Tankorr-like drones appeared on screen, apparently waiting for the right time that the Maximal Elders would be on the air.

"What the slag is goin' on here?!?" wondered Rattrap aloud. "How did this happen?," cried Cheetor, "How come there's so many of them?!?"

"Guess we'll find out later," said Depthcharge. The rest of the Maximals nodded their heads in silent agreement.

Finally, by the evening, the explanation from the Maximal Elders finally came on the air. Everyone, Maximals and Predacons alike, tuned in to their holo-tv stations for the news. Even the crew of the Axalon watched it from their secret underground base illegally.

After a short while, Senator Nero finally stepped up to the podium in the Senate Building to address all the Maximal Elders.

It was noted that he was accompanied by Obsidian, Strika, the Vehicon Generals, two aerial drones, and two lumbering tank drones.

Below, several motorcycle drones watched over most of the Maximal Elders with their arm-cannons ready if there was to be any trouble in the crowd of senators and politicians.

"What is the meaning of this, Nero?!?" yelled one senator.

"My dear... dear friends," said Nero in a grave tone, even though a smile was evident on his face, "I'm afraid that for the good of Cybertron, further security measures will have to be implemented to protect its citizens."

"By treating your fellow Maximals like Predacons!?" yelled a Maximal Elder.

"Oh, but we live in perilous times," explained Nero with a smirk, "With the threat of a possible Predacon revolution being led by the Tripredacus Council and the Predacon Resistance just over the horizon, I have decided to take the best course of action to further protect you and your families."

Before he could continue with his speech, Senator Nero was suddenly grabbed from behind by the two powerful tank drones.

"WHAT!?!" he cried, "What is the meaning of this?!? I am your master! Release me!"

He looked around wildly. The Vehicons were now laughing. Obsidian and Strika looked at Nero with a chilling coldness in their eyes. Maximus coolly strode forward to face Senator Nero.

"Maximus!" he cried, "I demand an explanation for this outrage!"

"You were right, Nero," said Maximus, "We do live in perilous times."

Nero looked at Maximus bewildered.

"You're also right about another thing... sort of..." continued Maximus, "The balance of power has changed... but not in favor of scum like you!"

The two Vehicon tank 'bots leaned forward and stripped Nero of his senatorial robes and then, tore open his chest plates to expose his spark.

"You can't do this!" screamed Nero, "It was I, who made you what you are today, Maximus! It was I who taught you everything you know! I'm like a father to you!"

"Then perhaps you taught me maybe a bit TOO well," growled Maximus.

Without another word, Maximus took out his sword and with a powerful roar, thrust it straight through Senator's Nero's spark and body.

Senator Nero's eyes flickered one last time, with a look of pure betrayal on his face. His spark burst in two from the violent thrust and dissipated into the air. Senator Nero, perhaps the most powerful and influential Maximal on Cybertron was now dead.

"And..." said Maximus facing the camera, "Just so all on this planet understand my power..."

He gestured towards the panicking Maximal Elders.

"DESTROY THEM!" he screamed.

Several hundred Vehicons marched into the senatorial chamber circling the Maximal Elders and herded them into one spot....

The Axalon crew stared in shock at what they had seen on public television. They could hardly believe their eyes as to what they had seen.

"Is it me or did things go from bad to worse?" asked Cheetor.

"Like I always say," murmured Rattrap, "We're all gonna die!"

For once, none of the other Maximals bothered to silence him.

Once the massacre was complete, Maximus Primal turned back towards the camera. "As you can see," he said, "Any attempt to oppose me will result in something similar. I am a force that you have yet to comprehend... powerful... without mercy... UNSTOPPABLE!"

Obsidian, Strika, and the three Vehicon generals stood behind Maximus as he spoke, beaming with pride... well... all of them except Tankorr.

"Henceforth, all who live on Cybertron will prepare for a long, cold future  under my rule! Hope... compassion... and love have no more purpose. A new flame is burning tonight... a flame of such bleakness.... such desolation... that you will be engulfed in its darkness!" he finished with a powerful flourish.

The hundreds of Vehicons below saluted Maximus and chanted in chorus, showing their pride in serving the dark one.

Maximus Primal finally smiled, something he rarely did. And as he smiled, his eyes glowed red with pure evil.

All across the planet, thousands of Vehicon drones were also echoing those chants...


To be continued........